by V Domino
I look over to one of my guards and motion for two drinks to be brought to us before replying to Jefa. I’ve been going through some stressful months and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get better.
“How are the bets looking for this evening?” I ask her as I pass her a tumbler filled with our special drinks, rose and lemon, a pink gin. The only alcohol I enjoy. I watch her bring up the numbers on her encrypted iPad as I sip my drink.
Jefa is my bookie and even though she is just eighteen, the girl is quick with her numbers and has a wicked memory.
“Looking good, girl. Maximus has the most bets for him including the Renzetti brothers. If he wins tonight the profits will be enough to get me that new Range Rover I’ve been eyeing,” I scoff because this bitch can get it anytime she wants but she doesn’t want to use her daddy’s money. I can respect that but if I had a pop with that much cash flow I’d be unrepentant in my spending, though no amount of money could ever make me forget where I came from.
I look toward the new group coming into my VIP section. Ah, the famous Renzetti brothers. They all give me a head nod as they make their way toward their area. They’re the princes of the most powerful Cosa Nostra famiglia and sons to Andino ‘Hangman’ Renzetti. The brothers are scary as hell with an aura of viciousness that seems to be under a control that can snap easily—especially the oldest brother. I don’t know all of their given names but their street names are spread with reverential fear. The oldest is known as The Cruel. From the rumors I’ve heard, that guy lives up to his name just like his father.
When I was a kid running around in mud puddles, Hangman Renzetti was on a killing spree. Ending the lives of anyone who was known to be a traitor. My father was among those killed and left as an example to others. I remember the day his head arrived in an unmarked package on our doorstep, but what Hangman didn’t know was that in the Mazzi household we loathed my father.
The man had a penchant for beating my mother whenever he felt like it. When he got pissed off at work, he’d save all of his aggression until he got home and let it out on me or my mother. And since my mother always protected me, she usually ended up being the bloody pulp.
You see, being the coward that he was, he couldn’t do shit to the Caporegime when he was sent off to do shit work since he was nothing but a foot soldier for the Renzetti crime family. All he was, was a replaceable bitch. One day his capo, Alessandro DeLucci, dropped by the house for a surprise visit and found my mother a broken and bloody mess while I cried by her side putting bandaids all over her. I was only seven and already I had murderous hate towards the man who called himself my father.
DeLucci called in the Famiglia’s personal doctor and made sure she was taken care of. I didn’t see my father ever again after that, well not until his head showed up in a box with a red ribbon tied around it. My mother and I celebrated that night and we never spent a moment mourning the asshole. From that day forward the Renzetti boss paid us compensation until just this year when I asked for permission to run the fighting ring in his territory. Like the Blanca’s, I was given the okay as long as DeLucci had guards in place as well, and since the Blanca and Renzetti families were partners, everything worked out well.
“Good,” is all I say while the crowd roars and chants.
One of the fighters, Joseph, is from the Byrne Irish mob and he’s a crowd favorite so the chant going around is an Irish Ballad. Joseph Tanner is the oldest brother in the Tanner clan and his family runs a cleanup company. The men run the mafia cleanup crew while the women run the legit part. It’s one of the ways they launder money. They even take care of the Renzetti household so I’m pretty certain the brothers are here to watch their childhood friend fight in my ring.
I flip my long silver hair over my shoulder as I look over the bets that have been locked in, smiling at the profits I know we’ll have by the end of the night. Fighting is inhumane to some and an outlet to others. For me, it’s entertainment and a profit. I love the environment of it and relish the rush of adrenaline the crowd causes. It’s heinous and ruthless but this is my vibe. The deepest and darkest parts of me delight in the ferocity of it all—it thrives in it even. But nothing compares to actually being in the ring. Facing off with an opponent who is looking for any and all weakness you may have.
There is nothing like it.
As if hearing my thoughts, Jefa asks with a salivating look, “When will you fight again? I’ve been dying to see you dominate.”
She smiles like the sadistic woman she is. Like me, Jefa looks like this sweet and innocent young girl. We have the same build and height but where her hair is white mine is silver, while she is covered in tattoos I have multiple piercings. Our faces and voices say soft while our actions and souls scream savagery.
Fidgeting with my tight pencil skirt, I look over at her and tell her what I haven’t wanted to talk about for a while.
“Between the two of us, you’ll be the one fighting the most. My mother has cancer again so I’m not getting in the cage until she’s better. She doesn’t want anyone taking care of her and she runs off every home nurse I hire so I need to be in good health to care for her while she fights this cancer. I’m only here now because she’s in the hospital overnight for her next round of chemo treatments.” I take a long pull on my drink to fight the burning in my eyes.
My mother is the toughest woman I know. She survived my abusive father for years, raised me on her own, and never remarried after setting fire to my father’s severed head. Yes, that’s right. My mother burned the bastard’s head. He beat her for years and threatened my life on the daily so don’t look so shocked by her actions.
She taught me how to be the woman I am today by becoming the independent woman she is now. I know she’ll fight this cancer like she did the first time but I don’t think she’ll survive the battle. I know that sounds messed up but watching my mother slowly deteriorate while I’m helpless to do anything but make her comfortable… yeah, I’ve lost my optimism to realism.
“I’m sorry, hermosa.” Beautiful. “I’m here for you and your mother if you need anything at all. If you need to take time off from the ring you know I can keep it running for you.”
I give her a tight smile. I want this conversation to end.
With a nod toward the Renzetti brothers, I ask, “Aye, so I heard you and Cold have been seeing each other. Why didn’t you tell me?”
I smirk at her pink cheeks.I know the rumor isn’t true but that doesn’t stop me from teasing her about it. She’s had a lady hard-on for Nico the Cold Renzetti since introducing herself to him at a meeting between families. Normally a woman isn’t allowed within the criminal aspects of the Mafia world but being heir to the cartel throne, Jefa has a seat amongst the men. Ever since that day she goes on and on about the emotionless guy with the cold demeanor.
“We’re not but I happily let the rumor spread so all these putas think he’s taken.” Bitches. “It started when I showed face at one of my dad’s clubs. I was dancing with this man who was muy guapo.” So handsome. “When all of a sudden Nico was there pulling the guy off of me with his hand around his neck like he was ready to crush his windpipe. I’d never been so turned on, babe.” She sighs and fans her heated face as the memory plays out in her mind.
I bust up laughing, drawing the attention of the men around us. “What the hell? Why’d he do that?” I’m confused as hell. I don’t think she and Nico have ever talked to one another nor did I think the guy had enough empathy to show some weird outburst of emotion. I’ve only seen one look on his face. His handsome resting bitch face. And let me tell you, he pulls it off like he invented the look.
“I have no clue what crawled up his ass but when he walked back over to me looking like someone pissed in his cereal, he had the nerve to order me around!” She shakes her head before deepening her voice to imitate his. “‘Never again, Jefa.’ Like, what the fuck right? Anyway, that’s how the rumor got started.”
I roll
my eyes at the alpha male bullshit wafting in the air from her story. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a little bit of dominance but most men don’t know how to pull it off. It’s a fine line and I’m willing to bet that any man I ever come across won’t be able to satisfy me in that area.
I’ll always be daddy.
I focus back on the fight when Jefa’s phone rings and pulls her away from my side. It looks like Tanner will be winning tonight. He sweeps the legs out from his opponent and dodges the kicks thrown at him as he mounts the guy. Tanner begins raining down punch after punch while the guy beneath him tries to buck him off and block his face. It’s futile though, Tanner is a beast.
Just as the ref pulls a blood-covered Tanner off and declares him the winner, my guard, Gino comes over to me and tells me Mila Popov is at the VIP entrance asking for me. No doubt the bitch wants a spot in my ring.
“Check her and let her through.” But before he can walk away, I tell him sternly, “Her alone though. I don’t want her disrespectful father up here.”
“Yes, boss,” Gino says before walking away. The respect he shows is deserved. I may be young but I’ve done more for my men than they received from the nine to five bosses they had before me. I take care of my people and their families.
Jefa ends her call and comes over to me with a cocked brow as she notices my game face is on but I just shake my head before gulping down my drink. If I tell Jefa that Popov is here demanding an audience, she’ll break the territory truce by putting a bullet between her eyes.
Mila is the daughter of the Russian Mafiya boss Ruslan. She has a big mouth and loves to fight but she and her father have pissed off more than just a few people and I’ve yet to allow her a chance to fight in Barbarity. For many reasons, but for one, I hate the mouthy bitch who needs to wait until I say she can have her spot in my ring. The other reason I don’t allow her in is because of the ongoing feud between the Renzettis and the Popovs. It’s not yet a full on war but it’s to the point where anything can tip the scales and war will be declared.
Yes, my ring is no man’s land meaning there are no them and us within my halls. Anyone who breaks the rules will be dealt with by me personally but that doesn’t mean my loyalties fly out the window. Andino Renzetti has done right by me and my mother for all these years, even if he doesn’t personally know me.
Mila’s grating voice coming from the hall has me standing and facing the VIP entrance. “Otstan' ot menya, ublyudok! Get off me, bastard!”
She’s loud enough to draw the attention of my guests including the Renzetti brothers who visibly bristle at the Russian princess’ presence.
Fuck my life.
I see Jefa tense up and try to stand between me and the brunette walking through the door but I put my hand up stopping her. I love her but I don’t want or need anyone to stand for me.
“You have such considerate meatheads for guards, Silver.” Her heavily accented voice has me grinding my teeth when she sneers my name. She looks at Jefa and opens her mouth to say something but I interrupt her.
“What do you want Popov? I’ve told you time and time again I don’t have an open spot for you in my ring and begging is an ugly attribute to have in this world. When a spot opens I’ll get a message to you. No need to foul my halls with your presence.” I hate this entitled little brat and her big headed father too. They act like they’re better than everyone else, like their shit doesn’t stink and they have gold running through their veins.
Riiiight.
She folds her arms across her chest and scoffs. “Fignya! Bullshit! I know you have a spot for me you just don’t want to put me in.” I’m shocked she didn’t stomp her foot like the spoiled girl she is.
“Your words not mine. Now if you’ll excuse me I have business to attend to. You’ll be notified when or if a spot opens up.” I flick my hand shooing her off just as the cage is getting set up for the next fight of the night.
The audience around the cage is chill and mingling while waiting for another show so everyone can hear when Popov screams at my back.”I’m calling you out, Silver! You and me in the ring!”
My blood is boiling and my taste for blood is rising to new levels. I turn back around with a sinister smile on my face and stare at her for a moment.
“Let’s go down to the ring and announce it!” I grin when she jumps from my sudden joyous shout but I quiet my voice as I continue. “I want everyone to be here when I bash that pretty little face in. I want everyone to see those pearly white teeth strewn about and I want everyone to see you be dragged out like the disgraceful cunt you are.” I emphasize each word with a menacing step towards her until I’m nose to nose with her.
She stands there trying to look unaffected by my threatening words but she can’t hide the fear in her eyes and the shaking of her toned body. God, I want to kick her ass right here but number one rule prevents that; no fights outside of the octagon.
She takes a step back with a smirk full of false bravado as she sweeps her hand out gesturing for me to lead the way.
“Gino, make sure the Fightmaster keeps the ring clear. I have an announcement to make.”
I push past Mila and make my way to ground level. Once Jefa and I step into the ring I grab the Fightmaster’s mic.
“Good evening ladies and fellas!” I say as cheers and whistles go up around me. “I hope you all are enjoying yourselves tonight but pay attention because I have a special announcement to make.”
I wait until the cheers quiet down again before nodding my head for Mila to be brought into the ring. I watch her hesitate a second before stepping in and leaning up against the gate, as far from me as the cage will allow. Coward. She knows that technically I can attack her now that we stand in the octagon, but I’m no punk so I don’t pull punk moves. I’ll let her train for the fight.
Smirking at her fear, I turn and continue my announcement. “As you all know Barbarity is mine and Jefa’s pride and joy but we’ve been thinking about bringing you more competition and more entertainment! What better way to do that than to start an annual battle of the beasts? So, starting tonight two men and two women, from each category, that have the most wins by this day next year will be entered into... Barbaric Night!” The audience is riveted on my words as a wave of anticipation and bloodlust flows through each of them.
I don’t wait for them to calm down as I continue speaking. “In three hundred and sixty five days we will watch the best of the best compete for titles, but that’s not all. The final fight of that evening will be the biggest fight of them all.” I pause a moment and let the anticipation build. “I’ve been challenged by Princess Popov.” I grandly gesture to Mila who sneers at the name I’ve just given her.
“But…” I stop and turn to her as I say my next line. “Loser never shows her face here again while the winner will be declared the Queen of Barbarity.” The audience is suddenly shocked into silence as I hold my hand out to Mila. Even she looks pale. After all, it’s not everyday that I put up my reputation for betting but I’m confident in my skill in the ring.
Jefa smiles and walks over to us and takes the mic from me. “What do you say Princess? Not backing out now are you?” Her lip curls as she holds the mic up to Mila’s fake lips.
“I look forward to dethroning you, Silver.” Popov grasps my hand in what I’m sure she thinks is a firm grip until I squeeze it at just the right spot to dislocate her index finger. Jefa still has the mic to Mila’s mouth so I give her a serene smile when we hear her muffled grunt.
As we part and exit the ring, the audience begins to chant, “Sil-ver! Sil-ver! Sil-ver!”
I make my way through the crowd and accept hand shakes and well wishes. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the big event once it arrives, it’s exactly what Jefa and I discussed and worked on before the ring’s doors were even opened. It may seem like I just made up Barbaric Night on the spot but in actuality, a lot of thought and calculations went into this event. Mila was just the openi
ng I needed to announce it.
Once I get to the bar and accept a drink from Gino, my phone pings with a message. I swipe the screen and see a text from my mother’s nurse. She knows not to text unless it’s life-threatening.
I tense and slam my drink down onto the bar-top but then deliberately slow myself down so as not to show weakness in front of these people. I am amongst all the important people within the criminal world and they smell weakness the way sharks smell blood. I pull out a pink cigarette and light it up as I snap my fingers to get my Gino’s attention.
“Yes boss?”
“Get the car out front now.” I don’t wait for him to reply, I know my demands will be heeded. I turn and find Jefa walking over to me after speaking with some guests. Her smile morphs into concern as she sees the dread in my eyes.
“¿Qué esta pasando? What’s happening, Silver?”
“There’s an emergency at the hospital, I need to get there immediately. You’re in charge tonight, make sure no one walks on you, Jefa.”
She tilts her head down and taps her chest twice. It’s a little sign we made up and it says you have my word.
I know she won’t disappoint me but I can’t keep the threat out of my tone. She knows I’ll lose my shit if she messes up.
Cartel or not, this is my house and in my house, I’m the Boss.
I whistle for my enforcers to lead the way as I walk out of the ring with my head held high while my heart cracks.
One year later
I’m sitting on my opponent, Martin’s chest as he foolishly punches me in the ribs leaving the left side of his face exposed. The misstep allows my elbow to slam against his cheekbone, widening the cut I gave him earlier. I take advantage of the daze my elbow caused him and grab his wrist. I fall to Martin’s side, wrap my legs around his bicep and lock my ankles at his pec and begin pulling and twisting until he comes out of his daze and starts punching my thighs with his free hand, but it’s futile.
